The Jinx Is Weak with This One Instant rebuttal to the assertion that an SI cover appearance brings bad luck: Michael Jordan has fronted the magazine a record 50 times, including this issue, and still somehow managed to win six NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals and the esteem of the entire sports world (page 34). Happy 50th all around!

PHOTOPhotograph by Dave Reginek/NHLI/Getty Images

Duck That Puck In Detroit last Saturday, Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard deflected an Edmonton shot seemingly straight at the camera. The lens survived thanks to the plexiglass at Joe Louis Arena. Howard made 23 saves in Detroit's 2--1 victory.

PHOTOPhotograph by Rob Griffith/AP

Advance Australia Fair Folks Down Under are typically so somber and reserved, so it was nice to see at least a few Aussies break from national character at The Color Run, a 5K at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday. Participants raced through "color stations" set up every kilometer, where they were doused with powdered pigment. Why? Why not. Who won? Everybody, by the looks of it. But especially the local laundromats.

February 18, 2013

WITH A DOMINANT VICTORY AT PEBBLE, BRANDT SNEDEKER MADE A CASE TO CLAIM THE TITLE OF SECOND-BEST AMERICAN (BEHIND YOU KNOW WHO), BUT HE HAS HIS SIGHTS SET ON AN EVEN LOFTIER GOAL. WATCH YOUR BACK, RORY

IN LESS THAN A YEAR, THE WINTER GAMES WILL OPEN IN THE SUBTROPICAL RESORT OF SOCHI. EVERY VENUE WAS BUILT FROM SCRATCH. WILL IT ALL WORK? WILL THERE BE SNOW? RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN GUARANTEES IT—AND HE'S USED TO GETTING HIS WAY